Saginaw, TX. International Players Tour officials announced today that qualifying entries are up 32% and qualifiers are up 40% over prior year levels for their Net Division Tour Championship. As a result, the IPT is projecting close to a full field of 144 players for their season –ending event from November 17-23, 2008 at the Four Star Marriott Horseshoe Bay Resort in Texas. IPT Tour Championship participants will be chasing a First Place Winner’s share of $20,000 from a projected $100,000 total purse playing two of the toughest ranked Texas courses – Ram Rock & Apple Rock. IPT members qualify in district events around the country to compete for the largest known purse in the country available in Net (handicap) competition.
Ron Beaman, Founder and President of IPT, said “We couldn’t be more pleased with the growth of the tour in 2008, especially the increased participation in qualification for our big event. The increase in the Tour Championship winner’s share to $20,000 is obviously having a significant impact on our membership.”
About International Players Tour (IPT)
International Players Tour, operated by prior management of Champions Golf Tour (CGT), was launched in January 2008 for the purpose of bringing PGA style competition to avid golfers everywhere. Operations began in April 2002 under the banner of the Champions Golf Tour, which was founded by Ron Beaman in the Dallas/Ft.Worth area. Ron developed a business model that would provide avid recreational golfers a chance to play in an environment similar to major tour events – “inside the ropes” for significant prize money – utilizing a proprietary handicap system.
After conducting its first event in June, 2002, CGT followed with 17 tournaments in 2002 and awarded nearly $60,000 in prize money. Significant and sustained growth has occurred in subsequent years in player participation, number of events, and prize money. With over 1200 players in their system, IPT management conducted over 150 events in 2007 within ten state and twelve metropolitan city areas with payouts exceeding $570,000. In 2008, the IPT will conduct 200+ events in fifteen different metro areas, culminating in the Tour Championship at the Horseshoe Bay Marriott Resort in Texas, with the winner taking home $20,000 in GUARANTEED first place prize money!
“The Model that Works” is now being adopted effectively and implemented successfully in multiple cities, with projected expansion into 5-10 new markets each year – including international locations - through a unique licensing rights program. See www.ipgtour.com for additional information or contact Bill Conwell – IPT SVP, Business Development at 704.366.2047.
